FAMAGUSTA GAZETTE – Authorities in northern Cyprus have enacted groundbreaking legislation to enhance the welfare of animals, granting them the legal status of “life”.
The Animal Welfare Law, which came into force on April 2, 2025, introduces strict penalties for those who harm or abandon animals, aiming to deter abuse and foster humane treatment.
Under the new Penal (Amendment) Law, individuals found guilty of killing an animal face up to eight years in prison.
Those who abandon pets after adopting them could face imprisonment ranging from two to four years. Repeat offenders may also incur higher penalties, including fines and imprisonment.
Ülkü Curcioğlu, vice president of the Golden Paws Association, welcomed the law as a significant step forward in protecting animals.
“This new regulation equates the evil done to animals with the evil done to humans,” Curcioğlu said. “My only wish is that the laws are implemented step by step in the correct way to ensure justice.”
Curcioğlu noted that the association had long advocated for such changes, highlighting the numerous traumatic incidents of animal cruelty they had witnessed. The updated penalties, she said, would serve as a strong deterrent, encouraging a cultural shift toward greater respect for animal rights.
The ‘Ministry of Agriculture’ stated that the law reflects Cyprus’ commitment to addressing animal cruelty and ensuring the well-being of its furry companions.
Advocates hope the new framework will lead to a decline in abuse cases and establish a stronger foundation for promoting responsible pet ownership.
As Curcioğlu emphasized, the next challenge lies in ensuring the consistent application of the law to safeguard the lives of Cyprus’ animal population.
